Keeping an eye on local government

Mine Explosion Causes Damage in Upper Nazareth

Community Concerns

A resident asked about last week’s explosion at the Hercules Mine which threw rocks across Route 191 and into a residential area. The supervisors said the township doesn’t regulate the mine, that job belongs to the state.

The DEP is conducting an investigation which could take 3 weeks. Supervisors encouraged any resident with external damage to contact the company for reimbursement. 18 reports have already been made.

The Nazareth Memorial Library has a new director. Holly Bennet came in to introduce herself to the Supervisors.

Report from the Recycling Committee

The committee reported that the township’s recycling totals are too low and, if residents don’t have recycling service, it puts Upper Nazareth in violation of the law. Our roads can’t handle the number of large garbage trucks and it is estimated that it would cost $30 million to repair damages from the traffic.

Using a private trash hauling service costs, on average, $30 per household per month or $360 per year. Switching to a single hauler would lower that to $15 per month or $180 per year.

The township would be eligible for $530,000 in grand funding if we’d gone with a single hauler

The township will offer 2 informational sessions to educate and receive input from the public. Advertisements will be posed in The Key.

Construction Updates

The 2016 road surfacing project is complete and came in $2,290.76 under budget.

At the traffic light project, Friedenstahl Avenue is now open, Shoeneck Ave is currently closed.

A discussion was begun on including Rose Inn Avenue in the 2017 road surfacing project as well as adding sidewalks.

A meeting will be held on Sept. 9th at 6 PM to get opinions on residents about reducing the width of the road and, hopefully, slowing down traffic.

Your Tax Dollars at Work

Approval of 2 advertisements for informational meetings on recycling.

Payment of $102,680.44 for the 2016 road resurfacing project

$3,180.44 for compaction testing at the traffic light installation on Friedenstahl Avenue